2014 Hyundai IX35 2.0L Diesel · SL14 XUC

The defining mechanical story of this 2014 Hyundai ix35 centres on a clear pattern of suspension and steering wear that has progressed into outright failure. The most recent test on 12 December 2025 resulted in a pass, but only after a previous attempt two days earlier on 10 December 2025 was failed with major defects recorded against the nearside front lower suspension arm bush and the offside front lower suspension arm ball joint, both classified as excessively worn under item 5.3.4 (a) (i). The same test that failed the vehicle also carried advisories for the rear trailing arm bushes starting to split and for corrosion around the rear subframe and suspension arm mounting points, along with an inoperative nearside front fog light. The presence of two major suspension defects within a two-day window, accompanied by bush deterioration and subframe corrosion advisories, suggests a chassis that is beginning to show significant wear typical of a high-mileage SUV and warrants close physical inspection of the front and rear suspension assemblies before purchase. The recorded mileage of 149,359 miles over approximately twelve years equates to an average of around 12,447 miles per year, which is high for a vehicle of this age and indicates sustained, regular use rather than the gentler annual accumulation seen on many family SUVs. This level of annual mileage will accelerate wear on suspension bushes, ball joints, brake components, and drivetrain mounts, all of which is consistent with the defects recorded in the MOT history. There are no significant gaps in the testing record that would suggest a prolonged period off the road, so the components flagged in the advisories reflect genuine working age rather than deterioration following long-term standing. For a prospective buyer, the priority areas for inspection are the front suspension arms, the rear trailing arm bushes, and the steering rack. The lower arm rear bush and the offside ball joint have already been identified as excessively worn, and on a test drive any clonking, knocking, or vagueness through the front suspension over uneven surfaces, speed bumps, or during sharp steering inputs would suggest that the replacement arms and bushes have not yet been fitted or that further wear has developed since the December 2025 test. The advisories for steering rack play and an offside track rod end with excessive play recorded in December 2024 indicate that the steering geometry should be checked for wander, tramlines on uneven roads, or a loose feeling around the straight-ahead position, and a visual check of the track rod ends and gaiters for grease loss or damage is sensible. The rear subframe corrosion advisory should be examined directly with a torch and ideally on a ramp, looking for any progression beyond surface rust, particularly around mounting points and suspension arm interfaces where structural integrity could eventually be compromised. The remaining advisories also merit attention during a pre-purchase evaluation. A non-excessive oil leak from the rear differential was noted in December 2024, so the underside should be inspected for fresh seepage around the differential housing and the oil level checked on a level surface. The rear brake discs and fluctuating service brake noted in February 2024 indicate that the rear braking system may be approaching the point at which disc replacement becomes necessary, so any judder, pulling, or inconsistent pedal feel under braking on the test drive should be noted, and a physical check of disc lipping and pad wear is worthwhile. The tyre pressure monitoring system malfunction flagged as a major in December 2024 may or may not have been rectified, and a warning light remaining illuminated on the dashboard would require investigation. Given the mileage and the pattern of suspension and steering wear now established in the test record, budgeting for replacement front suspension arms, bushes, track rod ends, and likely rear brake discs within the next service interval is a realistic expectation for continued roadworthiness.